Sensitive, thin, fragile: these are the characteristics shared by the skin of babies and newborns, still 'immature' compared to that of adults and therefore more subject to external aggressions. To have babies with always soft and healthy skin, small tricks and lots of loving care are necessary!

New mothers know it well: protecting their children's skin can be a real feat! Between redness, dryness and eczema, crying is always around the corner!

Not to mention the numerous 'dangers' lurking outside: both the harsh winter climate and the hot summer days put our children's ultra-delicate skin to the test and expose it to cracks, burns and sensitizations. So let's see how to avoid these annoyances to our little ones!

As delicate as a newborn's skin

Already during the very first weeks of life, our baby's skin is subjected to very difficult tests: deprived of the warm protection of the maternal womb, his very young skin has to deal with much lower external temperatures, sudden drafts, sudden changes temperature and annoying chafing with clothes and diapers! That's when redness, dryness and irritation can make their appearance, making it even more difficult to settle into this whole new world!

But why is the skin of children so delicate?

The skin of children has the same layers as that of adults but the individual layers are much much thinner. In fact, infant skin can be up to five times thinner than normal and this translates into greater sensitivity to allergens, microbial aggressions and chemical and physical agents.

The differences don't end here: a characteristic that unites both the skin of newborns and that of older children is dryness. In fact, the sweat and sebaceous glands are not yet able to perform their task at full speed and can guarantee the skin only a part of the hydration it needs. This also leads to the formation of a weaker hydrolipidic film, the thin protective layer that covers the skin surface.

The result is skin that dehydrates easily and tends to form annoying cracks which can then lead to eczema, atopic dermatitis and be an easy access route for bacteria and external agents of various kinds.

We can therefore say that in children the main function of the epidermis, that is to form a protective barrier, is performed to a lesser extent than normal. It is therefore necessary to pay more attention to the substances that come into contact with the skin of the little ones because they could be absorbed more deeply. It is therefore better to opt for safe products formulated with respect for the delicate balance of infant skin.

If you are looking for products designed to take care of your baby, you can rely on the Le Albicoccole line, organic, practical, safe and effective products. They are dermatologically tested on sensitive skin and are formulated with natural active ingredients with nourishing, calming and soothing properties, perfect for the delicate skin of little ones.

Children's skin in summer

How wonderful, with the arrival of the beautiful season, to spend the days outdoors, between carefree games and always new discoveries!

Fresh air and light are great for both adults and children! The sun is also our great ally thanks to its function as an activator of vitamin D synthesis, responsible for bone growth, the proper functioning of the immune system and skin health.

But incorrect exposure can turn the sun into an insidious enemy and exploring the world into an experience to forget!

In adults, improper exposure to UV rays, in addition to causing premature skin aging, can cause numerous skin damages ranging from minor burns to real diseases.

Children's skin, so thin and delicate, is even more vulnerable to sun damage, largely due to melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, and which in children are not yet sufficiently reactive and efficient in carrying out their task of protecting the skin from UV rays.

How to protect children's skin from the sun

Here are the tricks to have to enjoy a beautiful day in the sun without unpleasant inconveniences.

The first is certainly to avoid, especially during the summer, exposing children to the sun during the hottest time slots, between 11.00 and 16.00. Inevitable hat and sunglasses, to be combined with clothes made of natural fibers, better, compared to synthetic fibers, in shielding UV rays.

Sunscreen is essential, it must be applied at least 20 minutes before sun exposure and must have a high protection factor (spf 50). The sunscreen must be effective against both UVB and UVA rays, the latter protection must be indicated on the package by the word "UVA" enclosed in a circle. After the bath and about every two hours the sunscreen should be reapplied.

As regards the choice of the filter, i.e. the set of substances present in the formula capable of intercepting and neutralizing UV rays, there are two types:

• physical filters: they are usually based on zinc oxide and form a superficial film on the skin that protects it from harmful sun rays, reflecting and dispersing them.
• chemical filters: these are substances of non-natural origin that are able to penetrate the layers of the skin and absorb UV rays and neutralize their harmful effect.

To find out more about this topic, you can read the in-depth analysis Sun creams: what is the difference between chemical and physical sun filters?

To shield the skin from our little ones from the sun's rays, it is advisable to opt for protection with physical filters, a must if the child is less than 1 year old. Physical filters, not penetrating the skin, are potentially less irritating than chemical filters and are therefore the most suitable for protecting all sensitive skin, regardless of age.

Our entire line of 'Osolebio sunscreens is formulated with many natural active ingredients and latest generation physical filters to ensure effective protection, ease of use and comfort on the skin. They are tested on sensitive skin and protect the skin of adults and children from UVA and UVB rays and oxidative stress. Particularly suitable for children and sensitive skin is the SPF 50 sun cream, without added perfume, water resistant and very delicate on the skin.

Cold, pollution and sudden changes in temperature: Sos leather for children!

However, the summer season is not the only problem: among the aggressive factors of the winter months there are certainly the cold which helps to dehydrate the skin, making it even drier. Therefore, if we are planning an autumn or winter walk with our little one, in addition to covering him adequately, we must also remember to moisturize his skin with nourishing products both before and after the walk.

The object of special care must be all those areas that remain exposed to external agents, such as the face and little hands, not forgetting the lips which can easily crack at low temperatures. Our Organic Soothing Face and Body Cream is made with a mix of emollients and plant extracts whose synergistic action has a nourishing, calming and protective effect. Perfect for hydrating the skin every day and all year round.

Even sudden changes in temperature, which occur when going from a well-heated environment to the harsh cold outside, or the wind can make the skin more sensitive and facilitate the appearance of redness and chapped areas. Also in this case it is good to take care of our children's skin regularly by moisturizing it whenever there is a need.

Air pollution, in addition to weighing heavily on the environment, is a determining factor in the appearance of skin irritations, rashes, eczema and scaling in childhood. In most cases, these are problems that resolve spontaneously within the first few years of life, but the incidence is higher every year: in the 2-5 year age group, about 55% of children suffer from it.

As far as detergents are concerned, it is always good not to exceed with the washings so as to ensure the right hygiene for our baby without altering the natural skin defenses.

Cleanse your baby about 2 or 3 times a week using warm water and avoiding any potentially aggressive product which, in addition to drying the skin, could irritate it. Better to turn to specific detergents for children, tested on sensitive skin and formulated with delicate ingredients, such as our Organic Body and Hair Baby Wash, with Apricot oil and organic extracts of Hamamelis, Calendula and Chamomile with well-known softening, emollient and soothing properties.

Now harmful external agents will no longer be a problem for your baby's skin so you can share unforgettable carefree moments in the open air!